Destination Brunch

Enjoy your day drinking with a side of pancakes in South Lake Union this weekend.

Ahh brunch. Seattle is brimming with restaurants that offer the weekend meal once synonymous with Mother’s Day or Easter. South Lake Union, typically known for its bevvy of weekday lunch spots in the past, has an excellent selection of restaurants serving weekend brunch. Plus, affordable parking ($2.44 gets you 10 hours of parking on weekends and weekday evenings in select garages) makes ordering that third mimosa a for gone conclusion. Below are some options, with ideas for cocktail lovers, individual diners searching for brunch solitude, Southwest flavor seekers, and more.

If you’re looking for: Potatoes done right
Try: Brave Horse Tavern
Although its frequented for its fantastic beer selection, don’t sleep on Brave Horse Tavern when making brunch plans—the smashed fried potatoes are divine. Find them served with the traditional breakfast (two eggs any style, toast, choice of Applewood smoked bacon or maple pork sausage), eggs benedict, or smoked brisket hash. You can order them as a side, too.

If you’re looking for: The best pancake toppings
Try: Portage Bay Café
This ever-popular spot on the corner of Terry and Harrison fills to the brim on weekends, so be sure to book a reservation. Many consider the wait a badge of honor to get at the restaurant’s breakfast bar, which is a gratis add-on featuring seasonal fresh fruit, whipped cream, nuts, and more with select menu items. Portage Bay Café’s motto, “Eat like you give a damn,” is a nod to its special relationship with local food producers.